Guiseley are showing renewed spirit in the battle to beat the drop. They have picked up five points in their last three games and have extended their unbeaten run to six games as they bid to hold on to their UniBond League status.

With games coming fast and furious at this stage of the season the league table changes virtually daily and to some extent Guiseley have their future in their own hands. They have successive home games against Winsford and Workington over the next two Saturdays.

Neil Parsley's men buoyed themselves for the battle with a superb 4-1 win over Radcliffe Borough last Thursday night in a game which saw three players sent off.

Guiseley's Matt Daly was first to go for a rash piece of action which may cost his side dear when his suspension clicks in.

Right-back James Nettleton popped up with two superb goals to set his side on the road to victory.

This was completed with a penalty from leading scorer Andy Shuttleworth, after David Cooke had been hauled down, and then a fine goal from comeback boy Richard Annan.

Annan has returned to help the Nethermoor rearguard action and what a revelation he has been for a player who has been out of action all season.

His calm approach will be a big factor in Guiseley's battle and he stormed through at the end to show all those who had gone before him how to beat the 'keeper in a one-on-one.

Guiseley then travelled to Trafford on Saturday to play a side placed fifth and they did well to battle for a 1-1 draw on a sea of mud.

Just two days after the Nethermoor battle here they were faced with a pitch, the suitability of which was in doubt right up to the kick-off. Spectators were given tickets to reclaim their entrance fee if the game was called off.

Guiseley worked hard in atrocious conditions with manager Neil Parsley pitching himself into the fray to help his beleagured troops.

It was the old story with Guiseley having deserved to be ahead going behind but up popped Simon Trevitt to head in a corner to grab a share of the spoils.

And so the circus rolled back to Nethermoor for Tuesday night's clash with fourth placed Stocksbridge. Guiseley again produced a stream of chances which went begging. Striker Phil Denney again ran himself into the ground but often strayed from a striking position.

The big man is surely due a few goals as reward for his industry.

Guiseley had a penalty appeal turned down when Gareth Pritchard was tripped but they did take the lead in the 16th minute when Phil Atkinson's corner entered the net without touching anybody else.

Denney had a number of efforts saved before the break as did Pritchard but on the whole the shooting was a little wayward.

In the second-half Pritchard had three good chances to seal the points for his side but it was the Stocksbridge substitute Gary Hurlstone who found the target with a 60th minute effort to give his side a share of the spoils.

Stocksbridge then came more into the game and Guiseley were left to fight a rearguard battle to protect their point.

l On Saturday Guiseley entertain Winsford United in a vital game. Both sides have 39 points from the same number of games and both need the win to escape the relegation zone.

Things are hotting up down there and even bottom club Congleton Town grabbed victory on Tuesday night. Fortunately for Guiseley it was against another basement club Gretna.

The following Saturday, Easter Saturday, Guiseley are at home to Workington and then on Easter Monday travel to Matlock Town for an evening kick-off. After that just four games remain to seal their UniBond fate. At home to promotion chasing Vauxhall and Bradford Park Avenue and away to Stocksbridge and Chorley. No easy tasks there.

Guiseley Reserves travel to Northwich Victoria on Saturday for a noon kick-off. The Youth team are at home on Thursday.